The Dysport™ and BOTOX® Cosmetic Procedure

Fine lines and wrinkles are one of the earliest signs of facial aging. Depending on your genetics and lifestyle choices, such as whether or not you smoke and/or spend a lot of time outdoors, they can begin to show up as early as your 20’s. Using a neurotoxin to smooth out your fine lines and wrinkles is one of the fastest and easiest ways to look and feel more rested, vital and youthful. While Botox® is the most widely known neurotoxin, there are others such as Dysport®. While both are derived from botulinum toxins, they work in slightly different ways which may make Dysport® better in certain areas or for certain patients. The key to an exemplary result is seeing a very skilled injector.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Sean Doherty, is an expert in injectables. In fact, injectable manufacturers have hired him to train other plastic surgeons in proper technique. However, a great result is not just about great technique. It is also about understanding which product is going to work best in which area. This is why Dr. Doherty is proud to offer his Boston area patients a wide range of injectable options including both Botox® and Dysport®. Deciding which option is right for you always begins with an in-person consultation.

Dysport® Consultation in Boston

One of the downsides of injectables is that anyone with a medical license can administer them. However, this does not mean that your dentist is the ideal choice for your Dysport® treatment. It is important with any aesthetic procedure that you see someone with the experience, training and artistic eye to deliver a safe, natural-looking result.

During your Dysport® consultation in his Boston area offices, Dr. Doherty will listen closely to what bothers you about your face. He will inquire into your medical history, family history as well as any other procedures, including other injectables, that you may have had in the past. Then, he will perform a thorough physical exam to assess your:

• Skin texture
• Elasticity of your skin
• Areas of sag, if any

Together, you will discuss the right treatment plan for your individual anatomy, lifestyle and needs.

Ideal Candidate for Dysport®

One of the best things about injectables is that they are incredibly versatile. Dr. Doherty may use Dysport® on a patient in his or her 20’s as a form of “prejuvenation” in order to slow down the formation of deep grooves between the eyes as well as on a patient in his or her 60’s, 70’s and beyond. Furthermore, while it is a great stand-alone procedure, Dr. Doherty may also combine Dysport® with a filler procedure or as part of a surgical facial rejuvenation procedure. The ideal candidate for a neurotoxin, therefore, is really any man or woman in good overall health who is bothered by fine lines and wrinkles.

Neurotoxins & Fillers Are Not the Same Thing

Patients are often confused about the difference between a neurotoxin, such as Botox® or Dysport®, and a filler. Because they all fall under the overall heading “injectable” and are often used in conjunction with one another, patients think that the two are interchangeable. They are not. Neurotoxins and fillers actually work in completely different ways. A filler literally fills in areas of lost volume like a fine line or wrinkle, or sunken cheek. There are different types of filler based on their composition as well as their weight. A filler with heavier molecules like Juvéderm Voluma® is better for addressing a larger area of volume loss such as in the mid-face, while a filler with lighter molecules, such as Restylane®, is better for addressing more delicate areas like your lips.

A neurotoxin, on the other hand, works by temporarily relaxing the underlying dynamic muscles in the treatment area. This then allows the surface of the skin to relax so that it appears smoother and more youthful looking. But while all neurotoxins work in the same way, they each have subtle differences.

Dysport® vs. BOTOX®

As discussed, both Botox® and Dysport® are a purified type-A neurotoxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.  They work by temporarily preventing the release of acetylcholine from sympathetic nerve terminals which relaxes the underlying dynamic muscles. With less activity in the muscle, the surface of your skin smooths out. The difference between Botox® and Dysport®  lies in their trace protein amounts. This may make one a better option for a certain patient or a certain area of the face than the other. Understanding these subtle differences is another reason why it is important to see a skilled injector such as a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Injectable Procedure Part Science, Part Art

Any successful injectable procedure is part science and part art. The science component is understanding the ins and outs of each specific neurotoxin or filler. This takes study, time and experience. The more injectable procedures that someone performs, the more knowledge is gained. The art component, however, can be somewhat more subjective. Not everyone’s definition of “exemplary” is the same. Dr. Doherty believes that an exemplary result is a natural looking result. But again, it is important to find an injector whose definition of natural lines up with your own. This is why he always encourages patients to bring in photographs of people whose look they admire. It makes it much easier to establish a common visual language, and insure that your aesthetics are in synch.

Benefits of Dysport®

Dysport® was originally designed to address the glabella lines, which are the lines the develop between your eyebrows. Like any injectable procedure, the treatment is:

• Fast, typically taking about 30 minutes
• Performed in the office
• Not particularly painful
• Requires no downtime

Furthermore, the relaxing effect of Dysport® may occur faster than Botox®. The onset of the former is approximately 2-3 days while the latter may take up to a week. And your results can last anywhere from 3-4 months. As mentioned, there is very minor downtime associated with a Dysport® procedure so you get all of the rejuvenation benefits without any tell-tale incision lines. Patients should expect only minor swelling and temporary discomfort.

Dysport® Procedure

A Dysport® procedure is performed in the office. Dr. Doherty, or a trusted member of his staff, will first clean the skin and apply a topical anesthetic followed by an ice roller to the treatment area. Our goal is to do everything possible to make your procedure as comfortable as possible. Neurotoxins are administered through a very fine needle directly into the target areas in a series of small injections. There may be some slight discomfort, particularly around the nose and eyes, but this is both minimal and brief.

Immediately after your procedure, you can expect some redness and swelling in the treatment area, but this subsides soon after the injection with the aid of cool ice packs. Some patients may bruise slightly. This is rare, however, can easily be covered with makeup, and resolves in a few days. Once Dr. Doherty is done with your injections, you are free to return to your daily routine although he does ask that you refrain from heavy physical exercise or facial massage for at least 24 hours after treatment, and avoid the use of non-Tylenol pain medicine such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

Dysport® Results

You can expect to see improvement in your fine lines and wrinkles within 24-36 hours although it can take up to two weeks for your final results. These results typically last up to four months. So, if you are tired of people asking if you are angry even when you are not, schedule an appointment to come in and speak with us about Dysport®. It will have you looking as happy as you feel.

To find out more about an injectable procedure with Dysport® or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure for the face, breast or body with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Brookline office, contact us today or call (617) 450-0070 to schedule a consultation.